Guide to Derry

17th Century City Walls - Completed in 1618, the fortified walls of Derry were never breeched despite 3 major sieges. The only remaining completely walled city in Ireland is well worth a visit. Visit the Derry Visitor Bureau for more information.

Tower Museum - This high tech, interactive museum tells the story of Derry from its origins in the 6th century up to the present.

The Apprentice Boys of Derry - The site where 13 Apprentice Boys closed the gates of Derry rather than risk the lives of threatened Protestants within the city. Learn more from the official ABOD site.

Foyle Valley Railway Museum - This museum is all about telling the story of the rich railway history and the history of the surrounding area. At the heart of the exhibition is a recreated railway platform and displays for visitors to learn more about the companies that once worked there.

Bogside Murals - A key flashpoint during The Troubles, this panorama of gable-end murals is a testament to the complex history of Northern Ireland. Check out the bogside artists web site for more information.

Sperrin Mountains - Come and explore the dark russet bogs and purple heathland, the gorse-covered hillsides and the lovely forest parks - childhood home to Seamus Heaney,Northern Irelands Nobel Prize winner for Literature. Trek through the Sperrins with a local walking-tour guide.

Magilligan Point - Magilligan Point Nature Reserve is at the tip of one of the largest sand dune systems in the British Isles. The way the coastline constantly changes in Northern Ireland is of particular interest and is one reason the site has been declared a nature reserve. The Magilligan Martello tower was built during the Napoleonic wars circa 1812 and is one of the most northerly of the towers built around the coasts of Ireland. Birdwatching is a popular activity here.

Benone Strand - Free from rock and seaweed, the sands of Benone stretch for seven unspoiled miles. There is also a supervised playground, outdoor paddling pool and golf club.

Lough Foyle - The emigration statues and the points of departure located along the scenic walkway on the River Foyle are symbolic of the role the port of Derry played in emigration to America.

Salmon Fishing - The quality of Ulsters fishing waters is world famous. Theres coarse fishing on the Upper Bann and salmon fishing is particularly exciting on the Lower Bann and the Foyle system - one of the best-stocked salmon fisheries in Europe. There are countless fishing opportunities just waiting to be enjoyed.

Harbour Museum – this museum is housed in a former Derry Port and Harbour Commissioners offices, built in 1882 it is designed as a traditional Victorian style museum. It mainly deals with the city’s maritime heritage.

Museum of Free Derry – the people’s story of government oppression, he struggle for civil rights, the battle of the Bogside, internment, Free Derry and the Bloody Sunday.

Prehen house – this is a rare at sophisticated early Georgian house boasting one of Ireland’s finest interiors. Prehen House is one of the North West’s most historic buildings. Situated next to the famous woods, it commands stunning views of Derry, the river Foyle and the hills beyond. Prehen is intimately linked with the history of Derry. Records reveal that it was inhabited by 1640; in 1738 the Knox family began their great association with Prehen when Andrew Knox, the MP for Donegal married Honoria Tomkins, the Prehen heiress.

Riverwatch Aquarium and Visitor Centre – this is a great tourist attraction located just outside Derry city centre and its free admission it’s a must do for families and visitors. The aquarium has lobsters, crabs, starfish, coalfish, blenny’s and lots more marine and freshwater fish.

St Columb’s Cathedral – this is the most historic building in the city, the Cathedral has many interesting items from the siege and new information panels tells the history of the Cathedral and some of the personalities associated with it.

The Amelia Earhart Centre – this exhibition was erected to commemorate the unexpected landing of Amelia Earhart o historic solo flight across the Atlantic. The museum offers a tour guide who will show you where she landed and will be ready to answer any questions you may have.

The Guildhall – this neo-gothic style building houses some of the finest examples of stained glass windows in Ireland and is the civic and cultural centre for the people of the city.

Workhouse Museum – this museum contains the Atlantic Memorial, an exhibition detailing the part played by the City in the Battle of the Atlantic during World War II and other exhibits dealing with workhouse life.